Sagrada Familia origins 

the Sagrada Familia began as an idea. Josep Maria Bocabella i Verdaguer, who had formed a religious group at the end of the 19th Century also wanted to combat the rise in ‘uncivilised’ behaviour and therefore decided a temple or large church dedicated to the Holy Family was the way to go. 

Donations came pouring in hence the group purchased a plot of land on the edge of the city. On March 19th, 1882 the first stone of the building was laid.

Initially the design and construction was under the control of architect Francisco de Paula del Villar y Lozano. But due to result of several major arguments Francisco packed his bags and left. Cue a certain Antoni Gaudi i Cornet.  He was more than ready to take up the challenge.

the gaudi years

So from 1883 he got to work. First he finished the crypt. Next, Gaudi proposed a radical redesign from the original Neo-Gothic building on the plans. Most noteworthy, after a huge anonymous donation, the Catalan master was given the green light to make the changes and therefore In 1892 the Nativity Facade was started.

By 1914 Gaudi had plans ready for the other two facades. So he decided to stop all his other work and concentrate on the temple. Construction continued at a steady pace and by 1923 he had finished designs for the naves and roofs. On the 30th November 1924 the first bell-tower was finished. However little did anyone know seven months later Gaudi would be dead.

after gaudi

Between 1926 and 1938 Gaudi’s right-hand man, Domenec Sugrañes, kept the work going, however, hit by  dwindling finances and the Spanish Civil War, construction finally ground to a halt.

After Franco’s victory, the building of the Sagrada Familia resumed but it was a very slow pace. In 1961 part of the site opened as a museum so visitors could get an insight into the history and plans. A rising global appreciation of Gaudi and his architecture helped fuel interest in the temple. Finally the 1992 Olympic Games put Gaudi, Barcelona and the Sagrada Familia squarely on the world map. It has been the city’s iconic building ever since.

modern day

As a result of an upsurge in donations and entrance fees, the rate of construction has dramatically increased. The powers that be are hopeful that the Sagrada Familia will be completed around 2040. Only time will tell.